The Advocate Next Door

Kelby Ballena, Margarita Rosa Arango
  • 5.0 (11)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Advocate Next Door podcast captures in-person unscripted interviews of admirable advocates who share how they got started, why they advocate for others, and pass on advice for a future generation! Each episode is a warm look at how advocates make a difference and how they got started. We spotlight passionate advocates from lawyers, public officials, generals, technology developers, court and law firm staff, teachers, thinkers, dreamers—no advocacy is too small! This program is not sponsored or affiliated with any group or organization to maintain a genuine conversation with the advocate, which may also include interviews in Spanish. If you know an advocate in the Washington, DC area, send us tips at kelby.ballena@hugheshubbard.com. *Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only. Co-host, Kelby Ballena, is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-years in various practice areas. His experience ranges from complex international legal cases, to teaching and simplifying best practices for those joining the legal field, to motivating efficiency and collaborations among professionals to serve our community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelbyballena/ Co-host, Margarita Rosa Arango, is a Colombian attorney and recent LL.M 2024 graduate from American University's Washington College of Law. She practiced international public and human rights law for Colombia before arriving to the U.S. https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaritaarangor/

  1. Clarissa Lindsey: Empathy and Challenges in Criminal Defense

    4D AGO

    Clarissa Lindsey: Empathy and Challenges in Criminal Defense

    Clarissa Lindsey, Partner at Eldridge Crandell, joins The Advocate Next Door to share what it really looks like to advocate for clients when the stakes are high. A seasoned criminal defense attorney with more than 100 cases taken to verdict, she walks through her path into criminal defense and personal injury and how early experiences, from paralegal training to time in the courtroom, shaped her approach. Clarissa breaks down how she advocates for her clients both strategically and compassionately. She also opens up about balancing empathy with boundaries, navigating the realities of criminal practice, and building a career rooted in both resilience and care for her clients and herself. STORY 00:00 Mic Check Banter 01:37 Special Guest 02:48 Maryland Roots 03:33 Choosing Law 04:43 The Community College Advantage 06:22 Court Internships Early 08:07 Why Criminal Defense 09:33 "District Court" Wins 12:14 Exploring Other Law Paths 14:04 Emotional Boundaries Therapy 16:49 Client Boundaries 18:00 Finding Clients 19:14 Choosing the Right Lawyer 20:03 Payments 21:24 Public Defender Options 22:04 When Clients Go Silent 23:13 Managing Client Family Boundaries 25:19 Women in Criminal Defense 27:10 Personal Injury Evolution 29:03 Personal Injury Explained 29:42 Fostering Dogs and Empathy 32:53 TikTok and Professionalism 35:33 Advice for Future Lawyers 36:39 Unwinding After Court 38:10 How to Reach BIOGRAPHY Clarissa Lindsey, Partner at Eldridge Crandell, is a trial attorney based in Annapolis, Maryland, with a dynamic practice spanning criminal defense, complex civil litigation, and estate planning. Known for her tenacious yet compassionate approach, she has taken more than 100 cases to verdict and represents clients across a wide range of matters—from traffic offenses and serious felonies to high-stakes tort and premises liability cases. Clarissa is recognized for her strategic advocacy, meticulous preparation, and ability to navigate even the most challenging, liability-contested cases with precision and purpose. Her commitment to justice is rooted in early experience as a student attorney with the Innocence Project, where she represented wrongfully convicted individuals, and further shaped by a judicial clerkship with the Honorable William C. Mulford II. LINKS Website: https://www.mymdlegal.com/clarissa-lindsey/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-lindsey-esq-68076a169/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyer.lindsey/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notyouraveragelawyer Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS): https://www.barcs.org

    40 min
  2. Veronica Ramirez: Protecting Brand and Content in the Digital Age

    APR 22

    Veronica Ramirez: Protecting Brand and Content in the Digital Age

    Veronica Ramirez, founder of Curator Counsel PLLC, joins the podcast to break down what “content” really means and the legal risks creators often overlook. She walks through copyright vs. trademark, how trademarks protect your brand, and what to do about content theft, AI deepfakes, and rights of publicity. Veronica also unpacks FTC disclosure rules, brand deals flags, and shares how she built a law firm for influencers while showing up as both a lawyer and a creative in the creator economy. STORY 00:00 Soundcheck 01:13 Show Intro and Disclaimer 02:28 Meet Veronica Ramirez, Content Creator Attorney 03:37 What Counts as Content 04:40 Music Licensing Risks 06:53 Copyright 08:12 Copyright vs Trademark Basics 11:11 Protecting Your Brand 12:14 Trademark Search and Strategy 14:43 Picking Classes and Fees 17:09 AI Deepfakes 19:47 Why She Built This Practice 21:19 From Traditional Law to Influencer 24:07 Miami Roots and Early Career 25:59 Working Through College Experience 27:08 Starting Her Own Firm 28:21 Social Media Breakthrough 30:27 FTC Disclosure Basics 35:51 Enforcement and Penalties 37:39 FTC Reach Worldwide 39:13 Decoding Brand Offers 42:59 Platform Terms And Rights 44:31 Conflicts And Ethics Risks 46:05 Editing Tools Licensing 51:08 Morals Clauses And Exclusivity 54:37 Final Takeaways BIOGRAPHY Veronica Ramirez is a New York–based attorney and founder of Curator Counsel PLLC, a law firm dedicated to supporting influencers, content creators, and digital entrepreneurs. With a background in commercial litigation, she helps clients navigate contracts, protect their intellectual property, and structure brand partnerships with confidence. Beyond her legal practice, Veronica is an active voice in the creator economy, producing educational content, writing about industry trends and FTC regulations, and blending her legal expertise with a creative, creator-first perspective. LINKS Website: https://curatorcounsel.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-ramirez-54733840/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curator_counsel/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curator_counsel Professional Links: https://msha.ke/curatorcounsel

    56 min
  3. Adriana Campos-Korn: Trade Attorney and Content Creator

    APR 15

    Adriana Campos-Korn: Trade Attorney and Content Creator

    Adriana Campos-Korn, an international trade attorney and content creator, joins The Advocate Next Door to explore her unconventional career at the intersection of law, fashion, and global culture. Born in El Salvador and raised in Miami, Adriana reflects on how her multicultural background and passion for fashion shaped both her personal identity and professional path. She shares her journey through top-tier legal roles, including her work in Big Law and the U.S. International Trade Commission, while breaking down the fundamentals of international trade law, from anti-dumping and countervailing duties to the roles of key institutions like the Department of Commerce, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Court of International Trade. Adriana also offers insight into the real-world impact of trade compliance, import regulations, and global policy. Now blending her legal expertise with creative storytelling, Adriana discusses her transition into content creation in the world of Formula 1 and fashion, highlighting the value of taking risks and building a multidimensional career. She closes with advice for aspiring professionals on staying curious, embracing non-linear paths, and finding ways to merge passion with purpose. STORY 00:00 Mic Check 01:46 Introduction 02:43 Fashion Journey 03:52 Workwear Post Pandemic 06:19 Latin America Fashion Talk 08:00 Identity and Trade Law Path 12:14 Starting With Law Versus Fashion 14:14 Hustling Through Law School 17:08 Trade Career and Tariffs 17:59 What is the ITC? 19:03 Inside ITC Proceedings 19:20 Anti-Dumping Explained 21:44 Trade Deals vs Tariffs 23:37 Can the WTO Stop Tariffs? 25:42 Where Trade Cases Appeal 27:48 Who Trade Lawyers Help 29:59 Merging Law and Passions 31:23 Formula One 32:43 What to Wear 34:45 Staying Open to New Paths 36:47 Advice for Future Lawyers 39:33 Unwinding BIOGRAPHY ***at the time of this recording, Adriana had recently left Skadden. She is now Corporate Counsel for the Global Trade Legal Group at Amazon Adriana Campos-Korn is an international trade and customs attorney with a dynamic career spanning both government service and private practice. She is a former associate at Skadden, where she worked in the firm’s National Security practice group, advising on complex international trade and customs matters. Adriana previously served in the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. International Trade Commission, where she contributed to Title VII import injury investigations. She brings over five years of private practice experience, counseling clients on tariff classification, customs valuation, country of origin determinations, marking requirements, and forced labor compliance, as well as representing clients before U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Commerce, the International Trade Commission, and the Court of International Trade. Earlier in her career, Adriana gained valuable experience through legal clerkships and internships at several federal agencies, including the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the U.S. International Trade Commission, the Department of Commerce, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. She is admitted to practice in both the Florida Bar and the District of Columbia Bar. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acamposkorn/

    42 min
  4. Jamie Hagerbaumer: Insights into the Role of an Expert Witness

    APR 8

    Jamie Hagerbaumer: Insights into the Role of an Expert Witness

    Jamie Hagerbaumer, an associate at The Brattle Group, shares how expert witnesses support arbitration and litigation teams by independently analyzing evidence to value damages, often bridging claims that range from zero to billions. She explains how economics, finance, and modeling intersect with integrity and credibility, including the importance of saying no when the data doesn’t support a position. Jamie discusses collaborating with legal teams through discovery and case timelines, working on multi‑expert teams, and real‑world valuation examples from mining and investor‑state disputes. She also reflects on her career path, the growing role of technology and AI in expert work, and efforts to expand opportunities for women in expert witness roles. STORY 0:00:28 Introduction 0:02:21 What Experts Do 0:03:48 Integrity and Independence 0:04:60 Jamie's Career Path 0:07:24 From Antitrust to Investor State 0:08:55 Mining Case Valuations 0:12:52 Timelines and Team Backgrounds 0:14:10 Site Visits and AI Tools 0:16:23 Expert Work Accuracy 0:16:31 Skills for Economic Consulting 0:17:50 Student Roadmap and Research 0:18:55 Learning on the Job 0:20:00 Discovery and Evidence Requests 0:20:50 Independence and Integrity 0:23:27 Industries and Shifting Markets 0:24:43 Dynamics Between Opposing Experts 0:25:15 Challenges 0:26:18 Work Life Balance 0:27:14 Opportunities for Women 0:32:48 Internships and Networking 0:33:40 Finding and Hiring Experts 0:34:15 Closing Thoughts BIOGRAPHY Jamie Hagerbaumer is an Associate at The Brattle Group. She has extensive experience providing valuation and damages analyses in complex litigation and arbitration disputes involving investment treaties, commercial contracts, and regulatory matters, with a particular focus on oil and gas, mining, and energy. Ms. Hagerbaumer has supported experts in state, federal, and international courts as well as in arbitrations before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). Her clients include Fortune 500 companies, law firms, federal government agencies, and international government agencies. LINKS The Brattle Group: https://www.brattle.com/experts/jamie-hagerbaumer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-hagerbaumer/

    35 min
  5. Esha Kamboj: Building Diplomatic Bridges to Global Investment

    APR 1

    Esha Kamboj: Building Diplomatic Bridges to Global Investment

    Esha Kamboj, an attorney-advisor from the U.S. Department of Commerce, discusses her role advising policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region to develop legal frameworks that attract U.S. investments for infrastructure projects. Esha explains her background in international arbitration and how she now focuses on assisting foreign governments to amend laws and practices to make these regions conducive for U.S. investments. She shares the importance of face-to-face diplomacy, cultural awareness, and her personal experiences transitioning from big law to the Department of Commerce. Esha also emphasizes the need for diversity in international law and offers advice for law students considering careers in this field. The episode concludes with insights into the intricacies of travel and maintaining work-life balance. STORY 00:00 Mic Check 01:16 Guest Reveal 01:52 US Department of Commerce 04:41 Challenges and Partners 06:08 Private Sector Feedback 07:50 Arbitration Reform 08:53 Backlash and Treaty Basics 11:18 Origins and Global Curiosity 13:00 Family Travel Food Wins 14:24 Law School To Biglaw Shift 16:43 Commerce Life Work Balance 18:00 Diplomacy Needs Face Time 18:58 Culture Norms Trust Building 21:27 Cultural Diplomacy Skills 23:50 Surviving Jet Lag 24:04 Summer Associate Choices 25:18 Breaking Into Arbitration 26:25 First Gen Law Journey 28:24 What Big Law Means 29:18 Unwinding After Travel 30:42 Mentoring and Diversity 32:47 Commerce Career Paths 34:38 Asia Travel Favorites 36:55 Long Haul Flight Hacks 38:27 Wrap Up BIOGRAPHY Esha Kamboj is a Senior Attorney with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) in the Office of the General Counsel of the United States Department of Commerce. Ms. Kamboj assists policymakers and regulators in the Asia-Pacific region to develop transparent policy frameworks that attract high quality investments for complex infrastructure projects, including by promoting fair procurement practices and robust alternative dispute resolution policies. Before joining CLDP, Ms. Kamboj was a Senior Associate in the international arbitration practice group at the law firm Norton Rose Fulbright in New York, New York and Washington, D.C., where she focused her legal practice on complex cross-border disputes including commercial and investor-state arbitration, arbitration-related litigation such as the enforcement of arbitration awards and agreements, and commercial litigation in both state and federal U.S. courts. As a private practitioner, she represented foreign sovereigns and corporate clients across a diverse range of industries, including energy, infrastructure, insurance and reinsurance, banking and finance, securities, and pharmaceuticals. Ms. Kamboj has also served as a lecturer on investor-state and commercial arbitration for Georgetown University Law Center and the International Law Institute in Washington, D.C. Ms. Kamboj received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame and received her bachelor’s degrees, summa cum laude, in Global Studies and French from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is fluent in Hindi and proficient in French. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esha-kamboj/ Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), U.S. Department of Commerce: https://cldp.doc.gov/about-cldp

    40 min
  6. Madison Tincha: Sex, Therapy, and the Psychology of Desire and Connection

    MAR 25

    Madison Tincha: Sex, Therapy, and the Psychology of Desire and Connection

    Madison Tincha, a licensed couples and sex therapist discusses her path from journalism and sociology to clinical mental health counseling, including research on “situationships.” She shares how she has worked with clients hesitant about therapy, working with unexpected disclosures during sessions, and the importance of confidentiality and consultation. She describes modern dating’s “paradox of choice,” the fragility of connection, and how situationships involve ambiguity, emotional intensity, and intermittent reinforcement, often tied to attachment and self-esteem. She outlines sex therapy topics such as desire discrepancy, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, communication, kink, porn-related distress, and defining monogamy versus ethical non-monogamy through explicit agreements. She also discusses hosting “Met Through Friends” events and shares tips like leading with curiosity and prioritizing self-care. STORY 00:00 Sound Check 01:21 Meet the Couples and Sex Therapist 02:12 Becoming a Sex Therapist 03:30 From Journalism to Therapy 05:29 Hesitant Clients and Trust 06:28 Couples Therapy Realities 08:54 Confidentiality Basics 09:20 Why Modern Dating Feels Hard 12:31 Situationships Explained 16:20 What Sex Therapy Covers 18:10 Talking About Sex Early 19:43 Sexual Incompatibility Signs 20:23 Early Talks and Boundaries 21:26 Kink Shame and Ruptures 22:28 Society, Religion, and Porn 24:12 Cheating and Commitment 25:11 Ethical Non Monogamy Agreements 27:30 Therapist Dating and Credibility 31:44 Dating Events In DC 33:05 Better Openers With Curiosity 34:34 Therapist Self Care Routines 37:40 Sex As Relationship Dealbreaker 38:57 Gen-Z Having Less Sex 39:53 How To Find Madison 40:21 Wrap Up BIOGRAPHY Madison Tincha, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor specializing in sex therapy and integrative couples work. Her practice focuses on helping individuals and partners navigate challenges such as sexual trauma, erectile dysfunction, infidelity, desire discrepancies, and rebuilding intimacy and erotic connection. Madison creates a sex-positive, nonjudgmental therapeutic space where clients feel safe exploring all aspects of themselves and their relationships. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in curiosity and depth. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic practices, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Madison helps clients explore the inner patterns that shape their emotional and relational lives. Through this work, she encourages clients to slow down, look inward, and reconnect with the parts of themselves that often go unheard, fostering meaningful and lasting change. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in Sociology from George Mason University, and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. Her interdisciplinary background informs a holistic approach that considers individual psychology, relational dynamics, and broader sociocultural influences. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-tincha-lpc-ncc-76a830103/ Couples and Sex Therapy Website: https://thepeaktherapy.com/madison-tincha

    40 min
  7. Lucy In Love: From Heartbreak to Healthy Heart Connections

    MAR 18

    Lucy In Love: From Heartbreak to Healthy Heart Connections

    Lucy Nuñez (aka "Lucy in Love"), blind dating matchmaker and content creator, joins the show. She explains how her “Twelve Dates of Christmas” project drew over 300 applicants and produced six second dates from the initial twelve first blind dates. She shares how she was motivated by her own frustrations with dating apps, dating culture, and heartbreak. Lucy describes screening for compatibility and creating more accountability and respect through true connections. What are the today’s dating stages? What makes a good first date? Who pays for the first date? Lucy brings great insight to our burning questions and shares her plans to help singles. Join us as she continues to advocate for hearts and finding healthier love. *This episode is dedicated to the American Heart Association in collaboration with the Podcasthon (uniting podcaster for charity awareness). STORY 00:00 Podcasthon and the American Heart Association 00:21 Pre Show Banter 01:24 Meet the Matchmaker 02:16 Why Dating Matters 03:37 12 Dates of Christmas 05:00 From Apps to Heartbreak 12:19 Dating Apps and the Race to Bottom 15:13 Blind Dates and Real Talk 17:05 Accountability in Matchmaking 18:59 The Complex Relationship Stages 25:49 Hookup Culture and Intentions 29:37 What Makes a Great First Date 34:15 Coffee Date Debate 36:00 When You Know, You Know 37:39 Romantic Monument Walks 38:38 Dealbreakers 40:15 Dating in DC 42:12 Women Making The First Move 46:35 Networking Or A Date 48:41 Who Pays??? 55:02 Safety First (and Doing Your Research) 58:49 Consent And Touching Rules 01:01:55 District Cupid and Upcoming Events 01:06:26 How To Connect BIOGRAPHY Lucy Nuñez, known online as Lucy in Love, is a Washington, D.C.–based matchmaker and content creator behind "The Twelve Dates of Christmas" and "District Cupid", social projects connecting singles through curated blind dates and creative dating events. She also runs the social media street interview series “Live from the Trenches of the Dating Scene,” where she interviews people about modern dating, relationships, and single life. Through her events and content, Lucy explores the humor, chaos, and chemistry of how people meet in the modern age. LINKS TikTok: @lucyinluv IG: @itslucyinluv

    1h 8m

  8. MAR 12

    LegalWeek Live! (Day 3) Closing Thoughts with Laura Milstein (That Tech Pod podcast)

    Live from LegalWeek 2026, we corner Laura Milstein from That Tech Pod (podcast) to share some raw thoughts closing up the event. That Tech Pod is a major technology podcast about eDiscovery, cybersecurity, data privacy, tech innovations, with over 10,000 subscribers. Laura Milstein LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-milstein-7bb91a13/ That Tech Pod: https://thattechpod.com/ and on all major podcast platforms.

    12 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Advocate Next Door podcast captures in-person unscripted interviews of admirable advocates who share how they got started, why they advocate for others, and pass on advice for a future generation! Each episode is a warm look at how advocates make a difference and how they got started. We spotlight passionate advocates from lawyers, public officials, generals, technology developers, court and law firm staff, teachers, thinkers, dreamers—no advocacy is too small! This program is not sponsored or affiliated with any group or organization to maintain a genuine conversation with the advocate, which may also include interviews in Spanish. If you know an advocate in the Washington, DC area, send us tips at kelby.ballena@hugheshubbard.com. *Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only. Co-host, Kelby Ballena, is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-years in various practice areas. His experience ranges from complex international legal cases, to teaching and simplifying best practices for those joining the legal field, to motivating efficiency and collaborations among professionals to serve our community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelbyballena/ Co-host, Margarita Rosa Arango, is a Colombian attorney and recent LL.M 2024 graduate from American University's Washington College of Law. She practiced international public and human rights law for Colombia before arriving to the U.S. https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaritaarangor/

Information

  • Creator
    Kelby Ballena, Margarita Rosa Arango
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Trademark pending; Copyright All Rights Reserved 2024
  • Show Website
    The Advocate Next Door

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